Just had a life-changing peaty cocktail in New Orleans

Was chatting with friends about my time in New Orleans and decided to write about it. I’m not usually into the over-the-top language common on lifestyle platforms, but this drink genuinely deserves that clichéd but sincere word—"life-changing." As a former lover of bold flavors (absinthe and Islay whiskies), New Orleans is one of the few places in the U.S. that perfectly matches my tastes. It’s a city where jazz bars have a dedicated absinthe menu (Mahogany Jazz Hall 😉), cocktails often feature herbal notes, and peaty whisky isn’t tucked away on the top shelf—it’s within easy reach of the bartenders. Before visiting Jewel of the South, I never imagined peat could be so…refreshing. The "Feast of Avalon" I tried was a daring mix of pomegranate juice and Ardbeg 10-Year-Old. It starts with a bright, tangy fruitiness (spiced tea syrup and brandy liqueur add complexity and body, keeping it from being too light), then seamlessly transitions into Ardbeg’s signature smoky peat, completely enveloping the initial fruit notes. 🍂 It’s like biting into a juicy pomegranate in an autumn orchard, then suddenly catching the scent of woodsmoke from a nearby cabin—realizing you’re deep in the mountains, leaves turning yellow and falling, alone yet content in the harvest season. This was an incredibly vivid cocktail experience—layered, rich, and beautifully evolving. A burning cinnamon stick and a fresh blackberry perched on the glass added aromatic depth, making the drink even more immersive. ✨ The other drinks I tried were also well-crafted, but this one stood out. I also picked up a local whisky and bitters from Sazerac House—left fully satisfied. 😌 Not going into too much detail about other New Orleans experiences, but the oysters were delicious (Luke 👍), Cajun was authentic (though not my favorite seafood style—Hot N Cajun was decent), and the swamp tour was fun (Encounter Tours 🛶). I love jazz but didn’t come across any standout performances. The art museum, however, was not worth it 👎, and a visit to a Bourbon Street strip club felt more like fieldwork than entertainment (🎫 $16 entry, but nothing too exciting). The American South really feels more intriguing than the North—despite its short history, the cultural layers are rich and worth savoring. 🤠 #NewOrleans #Jazz #Whisky #Cocktail #Peaty #TravelDiaries